When silver met gold.

1. Unlikely Cousins

"It's natural that I know them as, in my world, they truly mean something. Here, instead, they have none. There is no real difference between Purebloods and Half-Bloods, and no one knows it better than you, since it is precisely because of this that you fear the spread of impurity. When even the last castes begin to tarnish, even those most bound to their beloved principles will fall. Along with their unbearable arrogance."

With that, he moved past him, offering him a sly smirk and returning to gaze at the paintings hung on the walls.

"So why are you here? What do you want?" Lucius pressed.

"Freedom," Gabriel replied immediately, pausing in front of a countryside cottage painted in a forest. The painting was illuminated by two wall sconces that gave a touch of warmth to that corner of the room.

Lucius turned perplexed, his expression furrowed. "You? Are you trying to tell me that you are not free to...?"

"I am here at my father's behest, before for love of my mother. She was a Pureblood like you, with not dissimilar ideas, but I have never been one to be influenced. I have always observed this world through my own eyes, drawing my own conclusions. However, if I do not obey my father, I will not be free to live the life I desire, with the woman I desire. Every aspect of my life will be decided by him, and I would be resigned to living for eternity with the misery that would go through me, with whoever he chooses for me." He paused briefly. "That is not something I will allow," he declared then, giving him a cold glance, showing him all his determination, before returning his attention to the painting.

Lucius raised both eyebrows, surprised to hear him speak in such a manner. He himself had not been free to choose whom to love, but it hadn't been so difficult with Narcissa. She was a very sweet woman, even if she could seem austere.

"I understand. Then... welcome to the family, beloved nephew. You are welcome to visit us whenever you like and you will be invited to every party, of course," he said, smiling warmly and displaying all the false courtesy he was capable of.

Gabriel, however, was no less. "I am flattered, beloved uncle. We will soon mend the lost bond."

"Father! I absolutely need a new broomstick! The entire team deserves nothing less than the new ones... who are you?"

A pretentious twelve-year-old with slicked-back hair had just appeared, along with all the haughtiness of a Pureblood. 

Gabriel looked down at him, with an instinctive desire to ruffle all those pretty platinum locks, but Lucius distracted him with his intervention. "This is Gabriel Stehodensky, Draco. A distant cousin of yours..."

He glanced at the one addressed, who offered a vague smile as Draco crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head to the side. "Steh... what? What a ridiculous surname!" he observed, even releasing a contemptuous laugh, but his father's firm hand on his shoulder made him stop immediately. "Will the gentleman be staying with us for a very long period, we hope, and..."

"What?! Is he going to live here with us!?"

"Not at all," Gabriel promptly intervened, reassuring the boy, who raised an eyebrow.

The parent continued, "I expect you to show the utmost respect for him, Draco. He is certainly our equal."

The young boy blinked several times, surprised, then shifted his gaze to Gabriel, who had taken on a sly expression.

"Are you certain, Father? I have never heard of this Ste-something family."

"I hope you are not questioning my words, Draco."

The young stepped back slightly, soon intimidated. "Of course not!" He then turned to Gabriel, offering him the same falseness his father had just displayed. "Welcome, cousin. I am sure you will enjoy the hospitality of our renowned family."